Harboring Change: A Three-Part Framework for Ports Decarbonization

Ports may not earn the attention of passenger-heavy modes like aviation or rail, but their commercial footprint and supply chain connectivity are even more significant. Research shows that about 80% of global merchandise trade is transported by sea, with shipping capacity steadily increasing. Between 1990 and 2020, the volume of cargo transported by ships more than doubled - from 4 billion to nearly 11 billion tons. Efficient, resilient ports are vital for economic growth and global trade, and their influence extends far beyond commerce.

Much like airports, ports are poised to play a pivotal role in the energy transition. However, this path is far from straightforward - it’s not simply about electrification or adopting a single-fuel solution. Decarbonizing ports involves multiple initiatives: creating baseline emissions models, retrofitting for equipment electrification, testing and deploying zero-emission technologies and adapting infrastructure for offshore renewables and alternative liquid-bulk fuels.

For stakeholders and industry leaders, the crucial question is: Where to start, and how to develop a sustainable, long-term strategy? Drawing on extensive client work across single container terminals and global portfolios, we outline a three-part framework to prioritize port decarbonization. It focuses on practical, proven measures that deliver more than just carbon savings, avoiding over reliance on carbon offsets. It can optimize operations, mitigate risks and reduce emissions. 

This framework helped a global portfolio of terminals identify a potential pathway to reducing total emissions in line with 1.5°C global targets.